Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you don’t have auto insurance. In Georgia, like in many other states, drivers are required to carry car insurance to cover potential liabilities in case of an accident. But what happens if you have no insurance and the other driver is at fault?
You may be able to recover compensation if you’re in a car accident without insurance and the other driver is at fault. You could also face penalties for driving without insurance.
In this blog post, we will explain the aftermath of a wreck without auto insurance coverage and how an Atlanta car accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation.
Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Georgia
Georgia requires drivers to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injuries and property damages they may cause to others in an accident. The minimum amount of liability coverage required by Georgia law includes:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These minimum liability insurance requirements ensure that drivers can cover at least some of the costs associated with an accident. However, many drivers also opt for additional coverage on their car insurance policy, such as collision insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage helps if the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover the auto accident.
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle in a collision regardless of who is at fault.
The Consequences of a Car Accident Without Insurance
If you are caught driving without insurance in Georgia, you could face serious financial and legal consequences. Even if the other driver is at fault for the accident, your lack of insurance can complicate matters in several ways.
License Suspension or Revocation
Driving without insurance can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. In Georgia, your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 60 days for the first offense of driving without insurance. For a second offense within five years, your license could be suspended for up to 90 days.
To reinstate your license after suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee.
Fines and Penalties
You could face hefty fines and penalties for driving without insurance. Under Georgia Code §40-6-10, you can be charged with a misdemeanor if you are involved in an accident without insurance. The penalties could include:
- A fine costing $200 to $1,000
- Up to 12 months in prison
- The loss of your driving privileges for 60 to 90 days.
You can be charged a $25 fine if you have car insurance but cannot provide proof of insurance coverage to a law enforcement officer.
Vehicle Impounding
In some cases, your vehicle could be impounded if you are caught driving without insurance. This can result in additional fees to retrieve your vehicle, further adding to your financial burden.
At Fault for a Car Accident Without Insurance
If you cause a car accident without insurance, the other driver could sue you. Without insurance, you could be responsible for paying out of pocket for their medical bills, repair and replacement costs, and other expenses.
What Happens If You Have No Insurance But the Other Driver Is At Fault?
Even if you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation if the other driver is at fault for the accident. However, the legal process can be more challenging. Getting help from a skilled Atlanta car accident attorney is essential.
You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is known as a third-party claim. The insurance company will investigate the accident and decide whether to offer a settlement.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, you may need to take legal action to recover compensation.
How Fault Is Determined in a Georgia Car Accident Case
In Georgia, fault in a car accident is based on negligence. If the other driver was careless or reckless and caused the accident, they could be held responsible for your damages. This means that their insurance company is responsible for paying for your medical expenses, property damage, and other costs.
The accident report plays a key role in helping insurance companies and attorneys identify the at-fault driver. The police report will include crucial details such as statements from the drivers, witness accounts, and any evidence of traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light.
In some cases, both drivers may share blame for a collision. Georgia used a comparative negligence system. If you are 30% at fault for a crash, your compensation is reduced by 30%. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you are not eligible to recover any compensation.
How an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Seek Compensation
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident without insurance can be daunting, but an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Here’s how a lawyer can assist you.
Gathering Evidence
Proving fault in an accident is crucial to recovering compensation. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and medical records, to support your claim.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies tend to offer lower settlements to uninsured drivers, but a skilled lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance company denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
The legal process can be complex and time-consuming, but a lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in court. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back on track.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Being involved in a car accident without insurance can be a difficult and stressful situation. Driving without insurance can lead to fines and suspension of your license. However, you can still seek compensation if the other driver is at fault.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to seek the advice of an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer. The legal team at The Weinstein Firm is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm has recovered millions for accident victims in Georgia. You pay no legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review.
